How to get a passport without a photo id

Written by kate bradley| 13/05/2017

The more forms of identification you can supply, the better. (military identification tag image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com)

Getting a passport is not a complicated procedure as long as you have all the necessary documents, but it gets a little trickier without a photo ID. Government procedures always require applicants to provide photo proof of their identity, but it is not always possible. However, getting a passport without a photo ID can be done. Applicants must supply as many forms of non-photo identification as possible.

Form DS-11 can be found online. (id form image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com)

Fill out Form DS-11 and submit it to a local passport office. The form cannot be submitted online. It must be submitted in person.

A birth certificate works as proof of citizenship. (birth marriage and death image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com)

Submit proof of U.S. citizenship. This may be a previously-issued U.S. passport (undamaged), a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad or certificate of birth, a naturalisation certificate or a certificate of citizenship.

Applicants may use a credit card as a form of secondary identification. (credit card image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com)

Submit identification. Using non-photo identification---called secondary identification---requires that applicants submit as many forms as possible. Use secondary identification from the list above and any other forms you have. In addition, you must present an identifying witness who will testify to your identity. That person must be present when you make your application, have known you at least two years, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, possess valid identification and submit a completed form DS-71 (affidavit of identifying witness). Note that the form is available only at passport offices and acceptance facilities.

Make clear copies of each side of your secondary identifications. (copy machine image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com)

Submit copies of every form of secondary identification. Use one white sheet of standard (8 1/2" x 11") copy paper to copy the front and back of the identification (a credit card is the exception; you do not need to provide a copy of it if you are using it as secondary identification). Your identifying witness must also submit a copy of his or her identification.

Pay the application fee. As of December 2010, the fee for a first-time adult passport applicant is £87.

Submitting two passport photos is the last step of the application process. (passport image by isatori from Fotolia.com)

Submit two passport photos. These photos must be identical, measure 2" x 2", be taken in normal street clothing, recent (within six months of your application), in colour, printed on photo-quality paper, and show your full face. Use a white or off-white background and do not wear any kind of headgear or sunglasses. From the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, the measurement should be between one inch and one and three-eighths of an inch. Do not staple the photos to your Form DS-11.

Tip

Plan your visit to the passport office ahead of time with all required documentation and copies. Choose a day when you (and your identifying witness) have plenty of time to devote to the application process. If you are applying for a passport for an upcoming trip, make sure you apply as far in advance as possible to allow time for processing.

Warning

It is a felony offence to falsify information or submit false identification when applying for a U.S. passport.

Tips and warnings

Plan your visit to the passport office ahead of time with all required documentation and copies. Choose a day when you (and your identifying witness) have plenty of time to devote to the application process. If you are applying for a passport for an upcoming trip, make sure you apply as far in advance as possible to allow time for processing.

It is a felony offence to falsify information or submit false identification when applying for a U.S. passport.